OUTBACK COMMUNITIES ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

In reply to the Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (26 March 2009).

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Northern Suburbs, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability): The Minister for State/Local Government Relations has advised that:

Unlike land owners/occupiers in a council area, communities in the areas currently administered by the Outback Areas Community Development Trust do not pay rates to fund general and localised services and activities. It is proposed to introduce two mechanisms to raise revenue to contribute towards the funding of facilities and infrastructure in outback areas:

an 'asset sustainability levy', and;

a 'community contribution scheme'.

The introduction of these arrangements will be balanced with requirements for accountability, transparency and community input into the development of long-tem strategic management plans and annual business plans, such as is currently required of councils under the Local Government Act 1999.

An Asset Sustainability Levy nor a Community Contribution Scheme will not and cannot be raised until proper governance policies and processes have been established by the Authority and thorough community consultation undertaken.